Aquarium of Niagara introduces rescued Pacific harbor seal pup

Submitted

Fri, Oct 10th 2014 04:00 pm

"Pup 2014" swims and plays before his transport from California to New York.

The Aquarium of
Niagara this week announced the addition of "Pup 2014" to its collection.

Harbor seal "Pup
2014," abandoned by his mother and rescued off the coast of northern California
when he was just days old, joins the Aquarium of Niagara's collection of five
other seals and sea lions. He will make his home in the aquarium's outdoor pool
with Sandy, another harbor seal.

The male Pacific
harbor seal was born blind, making it impossible for him to be re-released back
into the wild. A highly trained staff of trainers worked diligently to
transition the pup into his new pool and new routine. Aquarium Deputy Director
Gary Siddall was part of the team that transported "Pup 2014" safely back to
Western New York.

"It was a long
journey from Oakland to Niagara Falls, but it could not have gone more
smoothly," Siddall said. "He is adjusting nicely to his new home and new
family."

The Marine Mammal
Center of Sausalito, California, an organization that has been rescuing and
treating endangered mammals since 1975, rescued the young harbor seal pup.
Without its expert intervention, "Pup 2014" may have sustained injury from
other wildlife, fallen ill or become malnourished.

When TMMC found
him, the pup still had his umbilical cord, and was struggling to find food.
Now, at 5 months old, "Pup 2014" is healthy, strong and learning how to receive
daily meals from his trainers. At just over 50 pounds, "Pup 2014" is expected
to grow swiftly to about 200 pounds in adulthood.

The Aquarium of
Niagara will host a naming contest for "Pup 2014." Voting will take place both
at the aquarium and via social media. After "Liking" the Aquarium of Niagara on
Facebook or following it on Twitter, participants may vote on one of four
potential names for the pup.

The most popular
name will be announced the week of Oct. 27, and one naming contest participant
will be chosen at random to become the official "Aquaparent" of "Pup 2014" for
an entire year.

Saturday, Nov. 1,
has been designated as "Reveal the Seal" day at the Aquarium of Niagara,
featuring extra programs with the pup and public viewing opportunities.

To celebrate the
pup's arrival, the Aquarium of Niagara is also sponsoring a "baby registry" for
"Pup 2014" allowing the public to donate directly to his daily care. Visit http://gofundme.com/pup2014 for more details.